This unconventional format has been designed in order to gracelessly find a way to address the array of Saskatchewan Roughriders-related questions that this scribbler has fielded in recent weeks — a period in which most of the commentary has pertained to the Regina Pats or the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

So here, without further tortured attempts at rationalization, is how to talk to oneself in a deserted newsroom at 2:13 a.m. Do not try this yourself …

What do you think of the player-personnel overhaul?

Thumbs-up, in most cases. After a 3-15 season, newly appointed head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones needed to feed the 2015 roster into the nearest shredder. Turnover was desperately needed on defence after the porous performance of last season. Jones, who will moonlight as the defensive co-ordinator, makes the Roughriders better on that side of the ball simply by being here. He knows who he wants and how he wants the defence to play. Everywhere he goes, he gets results.

What moves, in particular, were impressive?

Look at the front seven on defence. Justin Cappiciotti and Shawn Lemon, both of whom were signed as free agents after helping the Ottawa Redblacks reach the Grey Cup game last season, give the Green and White a pair of defensive ends who can exert pressure. Another free-agent signee, Greg Jones, gives the Roughriders the impactful middle linebacker they have been craving. He was an East Division all-star with the Toronto Argonauts last season. Let’s not forget Otha Foster, who was with the Chris Jones-coached Edmonton Eskimos when they won the 2015 Grey Cup. Presuming that Foster (who is listed as a defensive back) plays dimebacker, is there a better linebacking troika in the CFL than that of the Riders? Foster, Greg Jones and returning West Division all-star Jeff Knox Jr., should be the Riders’ best trio since Cleveland Vann, Roger Goree and Bill Manchuk disrupted rival offences in the 1970s.

Any concerns?

Aside from the fact that I am living in the past? Well, it has yet to be established that Saskatchewan has a receiver who can tear apart defences in a manner that is reminiscent of Weston Dressler. Ideally, the Roughriders would not have been intractable while attempting to renegotiate the contract of Dressler, who signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after being released by Saskatchewan in mid-January. Also, the Roughriders may be working without a net if quarterback Darian Durant suffers a significant injury for the third successive season. Last year at this time, Kevin Glenn was under contract. Now, there are questions — and thank goodness for that, because I needed a topic.

What area is the weakest link?

The defensive backfield, a liability last season, still requires attention. Is there a shut-down cover man who can emulate Dwight Anderson (circa 2013) or Terrell Maze (2014)? New arrival Ed Gainey is a reputable player, but he is not invulnerable. Consider that he was responsible for covering Greg Ellingson when the Ottawa receiver scored on a 93-yard touchdown bomb in the 2015 East final and prevented the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from reaching their third consecutive Grey Cup game. Derrius Brooks, a recent signing, was beaten cleanly by Dressler for a touchdown when the Roughriders shocked the host Calgary Stampeders in the 2013 West final. Saskatchewan needs someone to take charge and prevent the secondary from being a primary concern. Given the recruiting skills of John Murphy — the Roughriders’ assistant vice-president of football operations and player personnel — the answer may very well be an as-yet-unheralded gem who quickly becomes a star.

How will the Roughriders fare this season?

Ten victories — minimum. Jones wins everywhere he goes. He quickly turned around a four-win Eskimos team and will likely be a comparably transformative presence in Saskatchewan. Plus, a watered-down West appears to be devoid of a powerhouse, so the circumstances appear to be conducive to a rapid Roughriders revival. Now, if you will dispense with these simplistic questions, I have a column to finish …

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